Despite being a (very) secular country, the Netherlands has a long and rich history with religion, especially Christianity.
No matter how you feel about religion, one thing is certain. Churches are architectural masterpieces, and you do not need to be religious to enjoy their beauty.
There’s a great variety of churches in the Netherlands that are worth your time. With great vaulted roofs, Gothic details and beautiful sculptures, there’s definitely something to please your senses and give you some good ol’ eye candy.
Protestantism vs Catholicism
Before going on our architectural adventure, there are some things to note about Christianity in the Netherlands. The Dutch were some of the first to adopt Calvinism after their independence from Spain, who supported the Catholics. Nevertheless, The Dutch allowed some level of religious independence for the Catholics.
The north of the Netherlands is generally dominated by Calvinism and Protestantism, while the south is dominated by Catholicism. At the end of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th Century, the Catholics were emancipated completely through pillarization.
Nevertheless, nowadays, Christianity and religion have lost the role they used to play in society, as the country has become increasingly secular and atheist. The churches remain, however, as proof of the strong links to Christianity this country had. Without further ado, let’s get straight to them cathedrals, shall we? (We know what you’re here for).
Can you visit churches for free?
A very Dutch question, but an important one. The answer really depends from church to church. Some of them still operate classically as religious sites, so you’ll be able to go on Sundays for free. Others have become tourist attractions so you’ll need to pay a fee to get in. Some have separate fees for climbing to the top of the tower, so a bit of research beforehand is always helpful.
Westerkerk, Amsterdam
The Westerkerk is one of the most iconic churches not only in Amsterdam but in the whole of the Netherlands. Built to serve the Protestant community, it is also the biggest Protestant church in the country. Its tower is 86 meters long, making it the tallest church in Amsterdam, so it is certainly not hard to miss!
Entrance fee: no
Website: https://www.westerkerk.nl/english
Dom Tower, Utrecht
The Dom Tower in Utrecht is the highest church tower in all of the Netherlands. The cathedral behind it was never fully finished, and the tower is not even attached to the cathedral. If you climb all the way to the top of the 112 metre-long tower, you can, on a clear day, see as far away as Rotterdam.
Entrance fee: yes
Website: https://www.domtoren.nl/en
Nieuwe Kerk (Delft)
Next on our list is the Protestant Nieuwe Kerk in Delft. The tower was finished in 1872 and it is the second-highest in the Netherlands. One of the notable things about the church is that it’s the resting place for the members of the Royal house of Orange-Nassau. Beyond that, expect to be mesmerized by its beautiful interiors!
Entrance fee: yes
Website: http://oudeennieuwekerkdelft.nl/en
Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, The Hague
This timeless beauty from the Hague is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Its Gothic architecture is certainly notable, and it’s hard to miss, as its high tower dominates the skyline of the old historical centre of The Hague.
Entrance fee: yes
Website: https://denhaag.com/en/big-church
Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden
This beautiful Protestant church is located in Leiden and it is one of the most iconic sights of the city. The church fell into despair in the 19th Century and was even considered for demolition, but thankfully after a long and intensive restoration, it was brought back to its former glory.
Entrance fee: yes, can also be rented for events
Website: https://hooglandsekerk.com/
Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk (Rotterdam)
This church in Rotterdam is the last remnant of the old medieval city. You’ll find it amongst the most modern buildings of Rotterdam, as the church is one of the sole survivors in the area of the Blitz of World War II.
Entrance fee: normally yes, (can also be rented). Also holds religious sermons for free on Sundays.
Website: https://laurenskerkrotterdam.nl/en/
Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam
This is one of the oldest churches in Amsterdam, right in the centre of Dam square. Built back in the 15th Century, it’s a well-preserved building, showcasing exquisite gothic details.
Entrance fee: yes
Website: https://www.nieuwekerk.nl/en/
Cathedral of St Bavo, Haarlem
This beautiful neo-gothic Catholic church in Haarlem is definitely a stunner. It’s also one of the newer churches on the list, built between the years 1895-1930.
Entrance fee: yes
Website: https://www.grootstemuseum.nl/nl/alle-locaties-en-hun-openingstijden/kathedraal/
Basilica of Saint Servatius, Maastricht
This church in Maastricht is a bit of an odd one out architecturally speaking, built in an eclectic Romanesque style. It’s located in the centre of the city in the Vrijthof square.
Entrance fee: yes
Website: https://www.sintservaas.nl/
Zuiderkerk, Enkhuizen
This gothic protestant church is full of history, founded back in 1424. Its pipe organ has been rebuilt to its former glory and you can enjoy concerts in its grand vaulted halls.
Entrance fee: yes, can also be reserved
Website: https://www.pgenkhuizen.nl/ons-gebouw/
Nieuwe Kerk, The Hague
The Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague is also known as Spinoza’s Church, as the famous philosopher is buried on the ground of the church. It was completed in 1656 and has a revamped and modern concert hall for all of your musical pleasures.
Entrance fee: yes, can also be rented for events
Website: https://www.nieuwekerkdenhaag.nl/
Saint Boniface church, Leeuwarden
Taking a break from all these Protestant churches, it’s time for another Catholic church. This beautiful neo-gothic cathedral, finished in the late 19th century, is one of the best sights to see while going around Leeuwarden.
Entrance fee: not for entering, but for visiting the tower
Website: http://www.stichtingbonifatiustoren.nl/
Marekerk, Leiden
This iconic dome in Leiden dominates the skyline of the city and it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks. The church still holds services every Sunday, so you can go if you want to visit the building.
Entrance fee: no, but sometimes the church is rented for events, so check on their website beforehand
Website: https://www.marekerk.nl/
Martinikerk, Groningen
This one is the oldest church in Groningen, with construction starting back in 1225. The tower, called Martinitoren, is the highest tower in the city, and it’s a great place to catch views over the place.
Entrance fee: yes
Website: https://www.martinikerk.nl/
Grote Kerk, Breda
This beautiful gothic church has one of the oldest organs in the Netherlands that is still functioning. It operates as an event hall, so if you ever wondered how it is to go to a food truck inside a church, this is the place to go.
Entrance fee: no
Website: https://grotekerkbreda.nl/bezoek-de-kerk/
This sums up our list of churches to visit in the Netherlands. Which have you visited? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Feature Image: Mariamichelle/Pixabay
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in July 2020 and was fully updated in November 2020 for your reading pleasure.